Open SBIR/STTR Topics — September 2026
80 open SBIR & STTR topics in the September 2026 capture cycle. Grouped by component so you can scan AFWERX, Navy, Army, and civilian agency deadlines in one place.
NavalX (24)
- Compact Efficient High Energy Pulsed Laser
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Persistent Non-Destructive Inspection System for Airfield Readiness and Foreign Object Debris Mitigation
- Multi-Core Parallel Processing for Sensor Fusion Architecture
- High Performance Electrolytic Coating Touch-Up Repairs for Aluminum
- Multi-Frequency Coverage Unit with Broad Band Interference and Designed Canceller
- Intelligent Tools for Naval Aircrew Performance and Readiness
- Lightweight, Modular Fuel Cell Systems for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Detection and Classification of Low Probability of Intercept radar waveforms using Field-Programmable Gate Array with Cognitive Techniques
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Innovative Flexible Fuel Cell Design
- Dynamically Generated, Articulated 3-Dimensional Training Content
- NAVWAR Open Topic for Unified Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Operational Awareness and Decision Support
- NAVSEA Open Topic for Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Acceleration via Artificial Intelligence or Machine Learning Data Ingestion
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Cross-domain Interface for Trusted Access & Data Exchange Logic
- Submarine Cabinet Sound Dampening Alternative
- Open, Layered, Yielding Modular Platform for Unified Systems
- Portable Digital Metrology System for Measurement of Defects on Optically Transparent Canopies and Windscreens
- Digitally Enhanced Weapon System Technical Data
- Wearable Real-Time Command-and-Control Interface for Enhanced Naval Situational Awareness
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Solution to Reduce Towing Based Mishaps During Flightline Operations
- Tech Data Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals Convertor
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Edge-Deployed Explainable Digital-Twin Condition Based Maintenance CBM+ Platforms for Carrier-Based Systems
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Development of Customized Aerospace Lightweight, High Power, High Frequency Bandwidth, Nanocrystalline EMI Filters
- DIRECT TO PHASE II: Intelligent Data Analysis of Post-Mission Reporting Artifacts & Data
- Automated Post-Mission De-Brief and Re-Planning for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Missions
Army (2)
DARPA (9)
- Hoboken - SBIR XL
- Commercialization of Ultra-High Payload-to-Weight UAS Subsystems
- Semantically-Aware ISR
- Scalable Platform for Enterprise Engineering and Deployment towards Mathematics for the Discovery of Algorithms and Architectures (SPEED DIAL)
- Universal Cell Culture Platform for Rapid Establishment of Species-Agnostic Cell Lines and Autonomous Culture Operations
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Scalable Platform for Enterprise Engineering and Deployment towards Mathematics for the Discovery of Algorithms and Architectures (SPEED DIAL)
Develop and demonstrate a robust framework and tool suite building on automated algorithm discovery tools that will enable the seamless integration of discovered algorithms with the scientific and engineering...
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Commercialization of Ultra-High Payload-to-Weight UAS Subsystems
The overarching objective is to mature and commercialize revolutionary Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) subsystem designs capable of breaking the 4:1 payload-to-weight ratio. This topic aims to transition high-risk,...
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Universal Cell Culture Platform for Rapid Establishment of Species-Agnostic Cell Lines and Autonomous Culture Operations
Develop and demonstrate a universal, species-agnostic cell culture platform that (1) enables rapid establishment of viable, reproducible cell lines - including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) where feasible -...
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Hoboken - SBIR XL
Develop and demonstrate critical subsystems for an integrated underwater 3D concrete printing system capable of producing structural objects and repairs using local sediments and seawater, with minimal binder...
DMEA (2)
DTRA (4)
- Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats
- Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats
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Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats
Develop novel technologies with commercial and national security applications that enable the detection (or indication and warning) of radiological or nuclear threats without the need for bespoke sensors—using only...
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Novel Technologies for CWMD and Related Threats
Develop novel technologies with commercial and national security applications that enable the detection (or indication and warning) of radiological or nuclear threats without the need for bespoke sensors—using only...
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF.NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY FOR HEALTH (ARPA-H) (1)
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Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)/Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program
https://api.sam.gov/prod/opportunities/v1/noticedesc?noticeid=bdd2026ead744527be7b623032a4c79a
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF.NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.NIH NCI (3)
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NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) INNOVATIVE CONCEPT PHASE I AWARD PROGRAM
https://api.sam.gov/prod/opportunities/v1/noticedesc?noticeid=5ab4cf48d42c495aabef1d6cdf21acf8
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NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) INNOVATIVE CONCEPT PHASE I AWARD PROGRAM
https://api.sam.gov/prod/opportunities/v1/noticedesc?noticeid=bfa3aaa08a3947799b2d9771f96c3e32
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NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI) SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR) INNOVATIVE CONCEPT PHASE I AWARD PROGRAM
https://api.sam.gov/prod/opportunities/v1/noticedesc?noticeid=8fbf26c5215646f582bf9fe4b4f00fca
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION (2)
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2026 Request for White Papers: NASA SBIR/STTR Phase II Sequential Awards
https://api.sam.gov/prod/opportunities/v1/noticedesc?noticeid=b9ff503d50c54ce593114a79adbfe94b
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2026 Request for White Papers: NASA SBIR Phase II Sequential Awards
https://api.sam.gov/prod/opportunities/v1/noticedesc?noticeid=8eaf5352f7b34689b17bb4066202b825
NSIN (9)
- Open Architecture Platform for Underwater Vehicles for Rapid Adaptation, Collaborative Sensing, Navigation, and Autonomy
- Sensing Algorithms for Bandwidth Efficient Edge Radars (SABER)
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High Throughput Wafer Scale Manufacturing of Custom Achromatic Infrared Meta Optics
Develop cost effective, high throughput wafer scale manufacturing processes for custom achromatic meta optic components operating in the mid wave infrared (MWIR, 3–5 µm) or long wave infrared (LWIR, 8–14 µm) spectral bands.
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Sensing Algorithms for Bandwidth Efficient Edge Radars (SABER)
Develop techniques for decentralized radar systems that will enable cooperative target inferences across tactical networks with N = 3 or more nodes while minimizing/optimizing required per-node effective...
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Quantum Sensor Gravity Data Production & Analysis for Maritime Floor Mapping
Develop a quantum sensor gravitydata production & analysis for maritime floor mapping
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Joint Radar & Communication Waveforms
Embed information directly into transmitted radar waveforms, to lessen or remove requirements for separate communications datalinks.
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Collaborative Distributed Swarm Radar
Develop novel signal processing methods to combine information from multiple small radar sensors such as those on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for potential signal processing performance improvement.
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Open Architecture Platform for Underwater Vehicles for Rapid Adaptation, Collaborative Sensing, Navigation, and Autonomy
Develop and demonstrate a modular, open-architecture autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) platform that enables rapid payload adaptation, scalable fleet deployment, advanced multi-vehicle collaboration, and resilient...
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Semantically-Aware ISR
Develop and demonstrate a mission-aware semantic communications capability for low-SWaP tactical ISR platforms that reduces transmitted multimodal ISR data while preserving mission-relevant context under degraded,...
OSD (14)
- Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)-Based Radar Data Compression
- Desktop Instrument for Measuring Boresight Error as a Function of Incident Angle
- Joint Radar & Communication Waveforms
- High Throughput Wafer Scale Manufacturing of Custom Achromatic Infrared Meta Optics
- Co-packaging Digital Readout Integrated Circuits and Photonics for Advanced Infrared Imaging
- In-Situ Metrology for Mesa-Wall Integrity in Large Format Small-Pixel Infrared Detector Array Fabrication
- Quantum Sensor Gravity Data Production & Analysis for Maritime Floor Mapping
- Signal Classification and Anomaly Detection in Contested Spectral Environments
- Collaborative Distributed Swarm Radar
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Co-packaging Digital Readout Integrated Circuits and Photonics for Advanced Infrared Imaging
Model, design, and produce a readout integrated circuit with a photonic digital output for an infrared sensor demonstration in a cryogenic environment.
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Desktop Instrument for Measuring Boresight Error as a Function of Incident Angle
A benchtop instrument that measures boresight error and boresight error slope as a function of window temperature, temperature gradient, and angle of incidence
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Signal Classification and Anomaly Detection in Contested Spectral Environments
To develop and demonstrate a flexible, scalable, and robust Machine Learning (ML)-based software processers capable of running on COTS platforms to identify and classify known and unknown Radio Frequency (RF) signals...
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Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI/ML)-Based Radar Data Compression
Use deep learning (e.g. autoencoders or transformer models) to compress raw radar data into low-bit representations for efficient storage/transmission, with reconstruction that preserves radar utility.
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In-Situ Metrology for Mesa-Wall Integrity in Large Format Small-Pixel Infrared Detector Array Fabrication
Develop, demonstrate, and implement a prototype functional tool with non-destructive, quick-turn, full-wafer screening capability to assess surface damage during the fabrication of small-pixel infrared detector arrays.
USAF (10)
- Cost-Effective Composite Joints with Tailorable Performance and Geometry
- Ultra-Sensitive Quantum Telemetry Receiver
- Power the space: high-voltage radiation hardened power switches for space power and propulsion
- F-35 Agnostic Rapid Weapons Integration
- Dynamic Open Systems Enclave
- Real Time Enhanced Fine Tracking in Directed Energy Applications
- F-16 Agnostic Rapid Weapons Integration
- High Temp Semiconductor Transistors for Hot DoW Environments and Electronic Warfare
- Integrating Neural Architectures for Brain-Inspired AI with Low SWAP
- Automated Lethality